Maya Rudolph: "When you're a comedian, people on the street try to be funny with you... and it's never funny."

BarcelonaMaya Rudolph is a heavyweight in American comedy and is currently deploying her resources in the series Loot, whose third season just premiered on Apple TV+, where she plays a middle-aged woman who, following a divorce, finds herself with more money than she can handle. We spoke with her about this project and also about the impact of the current political climate in the United States on comedians, especially those who are openly hostile to Trump.

The protagonist obtains 87 billion dollars in a divorce. What would you do with all that money?

— A lot of shoes, that's enough for a lot of shoes. I guess I'd do something good with that money, but first I'd treat myself to a few things. Why not, right? Travel a little, buy some islands, eat some fantastic food...

At the beginning of the season, we see Molly tempted to live a simulated life on a fake desert island. Is this her way of explaining to the viewer that reality is an inhospitable place these days?

— No, I don't think it's exactly that, but I thought it was a fun way to look at how someone tries to escape from their own life. I couldn't imagine doing the same thing, and in fact, once you realize it's a fabricated reality, it stops being fun. I don't think it would last very long. I think you'd get tired of it very quickly.

What do the ultra-rich that you may have met with Molly share, and what don't they?

— They all have money in common, but the difference is that Molly isn't in that position because it was a lifelong goal. The money is the result of her marriage and supporting her husband for many years, and we see her asking herself what she wants to do with her life. So the series started at that moment of life crisis, because she'd never had to ask herself these questions, as many people do. Suddenly we look back and ask ourselves: Am I happy? Is this what I want to do with my life? Many people radically changed their lives in the wake of COVID because it gave them time to stop and examine themselves. And I think this is a character who is given the opportunity to look at herself and ask all these questions. The difference, of course, is that she is essentially a good person and has no perception of being better than anyone else.

What caught your attention about this project?

— They brought it to me, and it was written with me in mind, which is beautiful and refreshing because it was clearly written to play to my strengths. So it's been a wonderful opportunity to do what I love doing, and it's very liberating because it allows you to do more and more. I mean, there's an excitement associated with knowing that if you're going to play a character with an infinite amount of money, then you can go wherever you want, do whatever you want, and be whatever you want. I thought the idea of playing a billionaire automatically had a magical quality to it. Things could have that magical feel and that excitement of when you get to see the insides of a fabulous castle, someone's mind-blowing mansion, or spy on a life that's different from our own. It's fun to watch, and it's fun to play.

She's also the executive producer of the series. Actresses often say they take on this role to ensure they're working with strong, grounded female characters. Have you ever experienced this?

— Okay, in a way. I mean, the series was already written for me, but it's true that as a producer, I have the power to ensure the episodes are produced in the best possible way. We work with the best people, and they make me feel comfortable with my contributions and make sure I'm comfortable with the plots and themes. This has been a very positive experience, in that sense.

You were talking about your strengths. What would you say they are?

— As a comedic actress? I've always considered myself a team player. Personally, I'm not one to prefer doing things alone, and I find this a strength, not a weakness. Doing things as a group only elevates the result and brings together the team. Being a comedic actress is the closest I'll ever get to being a professional athlete.

For many, apart from Molly, she is also Kamala Harris, after having played her so many times on the show. Saturday Night Live. I'm sure there are people who approach him on the street, confusing the person with the character.

— Yes, there are people who say some pretty silly things to me, honestly! People remember you depending on where they've seen you, and it's interesting how, since people see you from the comfort of their own homes, they feel like they know you even though you've never spoken. And then it always feels strange. Also, when you're a comedian, people on the street try to be funny with you... and it's never funny.

It's been twenty years since he stopped being part of the main cast of Saturday Night LiveAfter seeing what happened with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, do you think the show is under threat?

— I hope not. It would be embarrassing. Come on, I want to believe that comedy will continue to be important to all of us. These attacks on presenters... it all seems a bit manufactured, doesn't it? I find it a bit... ridiculous.

Do you think the current political climate will affect your comedy?

— I hope not. I've never been a particularly political comedian, despite having played a character who was political.

What makes you laugh today?

— The voices are really stupid.

Do you still watch the show?

— Of course!

And paraphrasing a certain film director, would you say that comedy is one battle after another?

— Phew, of course. That's exactly it.